Baptism Party Ideas – Our Favourite Ways to Celebrate A Baptism

For many families baptism is a milestone in any life. This is a tradition that has been in families for centuries. As a way to welcome a new baby into the world and into their faith, it is believed to offer protection and prepare them for life. Often held for babies, those who find religion later in life will also have baptism and want to celebrate it as well. Read on for our favorite Baptism party ideas.

What do you do for a Baptism Party?

A baptism party is any party held in honor of the person, or persons, being baptized. They are usually held on the day of the baptism. Some will go to a restaurant after the service and eat, others will have BBQs and backyard gatherings. Since there are many different types of families and many different traditions within those families, there really is no wrong way to celebrate this occasion.

Baptism Party Cake

Cake is a frequent dessert at any celebration, and a christening is no exception. A white frosting with a greeting message, or a cupcake cake is common. While christenings traditionally dress in white, especially babies or young children, this theme is carried over into decorations and cakes. Many bakeries will offer specialty baptism cakes. They can come in white and muted colors or done with the guest’s favorite colors and characters. Some large events will have a multi-tiered cake similar to a small wedding cake.

Baptism Party Decorations

Decorations of streamers and balloons are a fun way to add color to the room. Tablecloths can be added to keep tables clean and to create an elegant look in the space. This type of celebration can be held at home, or they can be held in restaurants. For larger groups, a private room or party room can be rented at a local restaurant or hotel.

Where to Have a Baptism Party

In some families or cultures this is a big moment in their lives. And when this happens, or the confirmation, when there is an older child, young teenager, or adult, the parties can look very different. Sometimes dining halls are rented out, and everyone gets dressed up to eat, dance, and enjoy the night together. Others may prefer a low key celebration. Maybe a backyard BBQ with all their close friends and their family.

Baptism Gifts

The theme of the celebration is the commitment and the acceptance of the chosen religion. For this reason, crosses may be included within the decorations, and gifts associated with training are often presented. Traditional gifts include bibles, necklaces with crosses or praying hands, rosaries, and even books or tapes with bible stories. Other gifts can include stuffed animals for children, devotional guides for adults, and money or gift cards for anyone who has just been baptized. Some will present savings bonds that will be set aside for college savings or other uses. Some baptisms can be played for children. Others may consider these to be a serious event that should not be taken lightly and will have a respectful and calm demeanor.

What is an Acceptance of Baptism?

Receiving baptism is a gathering held by the family or the church. Friends, family, and church members joined to celebrate the baptism that took place. There are many accepted ways to host a baptism reception,]. This could include gathering at the church after the ceremony, renting a hall for everyone to go to after the ceremony for a meal or refreshments, or another place such as a restaurant or home. In some churches there will be a reception that follows the ceremony directly, held inside the church and prepared by church members. It may be a potluck, or some may volunteer to provide food.

A reception is a way for church members and families to welcome the newest member. This allows the newly baptized to connect with those who care about them and will help them grow. God parents are traditionally chosen in time for the ceremony and are ready to help support the child’s faith as they grow.

Who pays for a Baptism party?

The parents or godparents of the person planning the party are usually the people paying for the party. This can vary according to who is holding the party and the costs involved. Some families may find family members such as grandparents and aunts or uncles contribute to the cost of the party. This may include bringing gifts and donating money towards the venue or the food. Anyone who wants to contribute is welcome. And if there is a reception held at the church itself it is often funded by the church and completed with volunteers.

Baptism Party themes

Some Baptism party ideas are more popular for a baptism party than others. But the traditional ones often remain popular no matter how much time passes.

Ideas for Baptizing Baby Animals

One of the most popular is animals. This includes animals that are small, fluffy, or cute, like bunnies, goats, horses, bears, puppies, kittens, and more. This type of theme is developed from another popular Noah’s Ark baptism theme. This particular theme has music, games, and often decorations of paired animals and cartoon arks. It’s a fun and brightly colored theme that most people can easily identify with.

Seasonal Baptism Party Themes

Others will use a seasonal theme that celebrates seasons of the baptized person’s life. Winter will focus on snowflakes and their individuality, but also on the beauty they create together. The winter sky and the snow-covered trees can make attractive decorations for it. Spring baptisms can focus on the new flowers and new growth that occurs in the spring. The color options are endless and there is a new starting focus that fits a baptism.

Summer is often marked by clear skies, sun, and the outdoors. Sailing or beach themes fit right in with a summer christening. A sandbox with toys can be added for a beach feel. Plus, it will give the kids a fun way to pass the time during the party. Fall is marked by falling leaves, oranges and yellows, and may also include pumpkins and other fall foods. This period marks the beginning of hibernation until winter, and the preparation for new growth in the spring.

Religious Baptism Party Themes

Sheep or lambs have a special meaning in many biblical stories. And this makes them a common theme for baptism parties. Using light colors, baby blues and pinks, yellows and whites, it creates a soothing and calm atmosphere. The cheerfulness of sheep playing or sheep in open fields is sure to cheer anyone up and keep the mood light and happy.

Precious Moments figures are often connected to baptisms and other religious events. As their own theme, they use muted or soft colors. These figurines can be gifted to match the theme. Plus, they can be found on cake toppers for continuity, and are often found on cards and even children’s bibles. The precious moments scattered throughout childhood are a great focus for a baptism party. And it can be expanded with baby photos and even slideshows. A theme that focuses on positive and memorable moments in life is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults and suits the event perfectly.

Another theme to consider is a handmade or homemade theme. These may include gifts of knitted blankets or sweaters, wooden toys, and knitted baby booties. Brown wrap or burlap can be used to decorate the space, along with sunflowers and other bright flowers. Twine and brown wrapping paper can be used to edge the gingham for a country home feel. And all of this ties in nicely with the family’s focus on a baptism.

Baptism Party Ideas Final Note

The point of a baptism or a baptism reception is for friends and family to gather and celebrate the new baptism. This can be for babies, children, and even adults when they choose to do so. They include food, drinks, bonding, and usually cake. Church members may wish to assist with a reception to welcome the new member to the church and celebrate their decision.

Although gifts may be presented, they are not mandatory. And guests are welcome to help with the party costs by paying for a portion or giving the parents or guest of honor money for the cost. When gifts are given, they are often religious including bibles, devotionals, jewelry, rosaries, and more. It is a celebration of growth, rebirth, faith, and hope. Even those who do not share the beliefs of the baptized can find joy in celebrating with them at this moment in their lives.